Protesters clash with police at Paris May Day marches

Thousands march through Paris calling on politicians to defend workers' rights, as scuffles break out between bottle-throwing demonstrators and police clad in riot gear. Rough Cut (no reporter narration)

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STORY: Thousands took to the streets of Paris to mark May Day on Sunday (May 1), to demand that politicians pay closer attention to the demands of French workers and oppose planned labor law reforms days before legislators begin debating them.
Demonstrators started off from Place de la Bastille in central Paris, echoing several protests in recent weeks by trade unions opposing the draft labor bill. A youth protest movement also held nightly vigils in central Paris during April.
One demonstrator said the annual May Day marches were an essential way for workers to make their voices heard.
France's powerful CGT union says the planned legislation, which is due to be debated in parliament next week, will let employers bypass regulations on basic worker rights by giving employers greater freedom to set wages and working conditions.

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